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      Footballer ‘beat his ex to death with a hammer as her horrified sister heard blood-curdling screams down phone’

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      A FOOTBALLER clubbed his ex-girlfriend to death with a hammer and a baseball bat weeks after she reported him for stalking, it is alleged.Giovanni Padovani, 27, allegedly left his team on the eve of a cup tie and flew to Bologna to lie in wait for Alessandra Matteuzzi, 56.
      Italian footballer Giovanni Padovani has been arrested on suspicion of murderCredit: Facebook
      Alessandra Matteucci had filed a stalking complaint against him weeks before her deathCredit: Facebook
      As she arrived home he then ambushed her in the lobby of her apartment building, police said.
      She was on the phone to her sister Stefania – who heard her screams as she was attacked.
      Through tears, she told a local TV station: “She got out of her car and started screaming, ‘No Giovanni, no, I beg you, help.’
      “I was on the phone. I immediately called the Carabinieri who arrived straight away.
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      “I live 30km away. In the end he beat her to death.”
      Alessandra and her younger lover had been a couple for around a year, according to reports in Italy.
      However they spent most of their time apart as she lived in Bologna and he played in Sicily.
      In January there was a bust-up at her home when he smashed dishes and a light, her sister claimed.
      Most read in Football
      After they split he allegedly bombarded her with messages and calls at all hours and she reported him for stalking, it is alleged.
      On previous occasions he had sabotaged her car, disconnected her meter from the outside, and tried to climb up to her balcony, residents said.
      One neighbour told local media: “She was very afraid of him because he had become persistent and she didn’t want to let him in the house”.
      Another neighbour said Sandra had asked her not to open the door if Padovani rang the buzzer to get into the building.
      The case has sparked outrage in Italy amid claims the justice system fails to protect women from abusers.
      Yesterday justice minister Marta Cartabia sent inspectors to review the actions of Bologna cops following Alessandra’s complaint.
      Bologna Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Amato denied accusations of judicial negligence in the case, reports news agency Ansa.
      He said a probe was immediately launched after the complaint was registered on August 1, but the investigation could not conclude until next week because witnesses were on holiday.
      “We did what we could,” he said, adding the stalking report did not highlight “situations of a concrete risk of violence, it was just the typical conduct of bothersome stalking”.
      Padovani – a model and former youth payer at Napoli – has played as a journeyman centre back for ten clubs in Italy’s Serie C and Serie D leagues.
      Earlier this month he signed for fourth tier Sancataldese, based in Sicily.
      But last weekend he was absent from the opening clash of the Italian Cup, against local rivals Catania.
      Sancataldese club lawyer Salvatore Pirrello said Padovani had left the team’s training retreat on Saturday saying he had personal problems.
      He phoned asking to rejoin the team on Monday but was told to stay away, reports Corriere della Sera.
      He then flew to Bologna in northern Italy, where he allegedly ambushed his ex on Tuesday.
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      Alessandra was still conscious when medics arrived but died in hospital of massive head injuries.
      Padovani was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and is being held in custody.
      HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

      Always keep your phone nearby.
      Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
      If you are in danger, call 999.
      Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
      Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
      If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
      Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

      If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
      Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
      You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. More

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      Ryan Giggs forced to wait until Tuesday to learn fate after ‘attacking ex’ as jury sent home for long weekend

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      RYAN Giggs will have to wait until at least Tuesday to discover his fate after jurors were sent home for the Bank Holiday weekend.The Manchester United legend, 48, is accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over three years.
      Ryan Giggs will find out his fate next weekCredit: Getty
      He is accused of headbutting ex Kate Greville
      He is also charged with assaulting her sister Emma, 26, on the same night.
      He was arrested at his £1.7million mansion in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      The jury went out to begin considering its verdict on Tuesday.
      They were sent home today for the long weekend – meaning Giggs will have to wait until at least Tuesday for a verdict.
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      It comes after the trial was adjourned yesterday when a juror phoned in sick.
      They have now been dismissed with the 11 remaining members continuing deliberations.
      Giggs’s trial was scheduled for January but was delayed for eight months owing to a Covid backlog.
      The former Wales boss denies causing Kate actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.
      He has also pleaded not guilty to the common assault by beating of Emma Greville on November 1.
      Giggs first met Kate Greville when she was working on PR for his Hotel Football business venture More

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      Cardiff lose Emiliano Sala appeal and ordered to pay £5.3m transfer instalment to Nantes after tragic plane crash

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      CARDIFF CITY have lost their appeal against a ruling by FIFA over Emiliano Sala and have now been ordered to pay the first instalment of his transfer fee to Nantes. Sala died in a tragic plane crash over the English channel in January 2019 as he travelled from France to join his new club.
      Sala’s tragic death in 2019 shocked the footballing worldCredit: AFP
      The Court of Arbitration (Cas) have ruled Cardiff have to pay the first instalment of £5.3m to Nantes over the £15m transfer.
      Responding to the Cas ruling, a statement from Cardiff said: “Cardiff City is disappointed by the decision of the Court of Arbitration in Sport.
      “The award fails to decide the crucial question of FC Nantes’ (and its agents’) liability for the crash, which will therefore have to be decided in another forum.
      “Once the club’s lawyers have digested the reasons for the decision we expect to appeal and will not be making any payments to FC Nantes in the meanwhile.
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      “If those appeals are unsuccessful and the club is liable to pay the transfer fee, the club will take legal action against those responsible for the crash for damages to recover its losses. This will include FC Nantes, and its agents.
      “All our thoughts must continue to be with Emiliano’s family, who are now supported financially by the trust the club put in place for them.”
      Nantes also released a statement. They said: “FC Nantes welcomes the decision rendered today on appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      “The Cas has completely rejected the appeal lodged by Cardiff City and has confirmed the decision rendered by Fifa on 25 September 2019 concerning the transfer of player Emiliano Sala.
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      “The court therefore ruled, as FC Nantes [FCN] had argued since the start of the proceedings, that the player’s transfer to Cardiff City was over when he died tragically in an aviation accident.
      “Consequently, the Cas ordered Cardiff City to pay the transfer fee to FC Nantes and sentenced Cardiff to a historically high sum, in respect of procedural costs and arbitration costs.
      “FC Nantes is delighted that this procedure – initiated by Cardiff City then delayed on numerous occasions by Cardiff City – which has been difficult for all those close to Emiliano, is finally over.
      “The club hopes that this will mark the end of the public misinformation campaign, which the FCN has never reacted to, out of respect for the player’s family.”
      The statement from Cas read: “After taking into due consideration all the evidence produced and all the arguments put forward by both clubs, the Cas panel found the player’s transfer from FC Nantes to Cardiff City FC to have been completed.
      “And because the conditions set out in the transfer agreement were fulfilled prior to the player’s death, FC Nantes’ claim for the first instalment of the transfer fee in the amount of 6m euros was upheld.”
      Cardiff claimed they were not liable for the transfer fee because Sala was not officially their player when he died.
      FIFA initially ruled that the Bluebirds should pay the first instalment but they took the case to Cas after the ruling. More

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      Man to stand trial charged with murdering Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton after he was stabbed outside bar

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      A MAN will stand trial charged with murdering Tyson Fury’s cousin in a knife attack outside a bar.Rico Burton, 31, was stabbed to death in a 3am “bloodbath” in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, over the weekend.
      Rico Burton was stabbed to death outside a pub
      Liam O’Prey has been charged with murderCredit: Facebook/Liam O’pray
      A 17-year-old man, believed to be a relative, suffered significant life-changing injuries and remains in hospital.
      Liam O’Prey, 21, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today charged with murder.
      He is also accused of assault and causing wounding with intent in relation to the teen and faces further charges of possession of a bladed article and possession of cocaine.
      O’Prey spoke only to confirm his identity and to say “thank you” to the judge.
      He was remanded in custody ahead of a provisional trial date of February 6 next year.
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      Ex-youth boxing star Rico had been watching the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fight with pals on Saturday before they moved to a different pub in leafy Altrincham.
      Emergency crews were scrambled to the Goose Green area in the early hours of Sunday morning after a fight allegedly broke out.
      Rico was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
      Officers arrested O’Prey and a 20-year-old man on suspicion of murder following the horror.
      Most read in The Sun
      The second suspect has been released on bail pending enquiries.
      In a social media post on Sunday, Fury called on the government to “bring higher sentencing for knife crime” after his cousin was “stabbed in the neck”.
      The heavyweight boxing champion wrote on Instagram: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck.
      “This is becoming ridiculous… idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.”
      He added: “ASAP, UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime.
      “It’s a pandemic and you don’t know how bad it is until one of your own.
      “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Steve Egan, 60, chief coach at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy where Rico trained, described him as a “lovely lad” and a “fantastic boxer”.
      He added: “We are all devastated.”
      O’Prey appeared in court todayCredit: Facebook/Liam O’pray
      Tyson Fury has called for an end to knife crime
      Emergency crews raced to the Green Goose area of AltrinchamCredit: PA More

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      Benjamin Mendy ‘rape victim’ admits she felt pressured by police to help bring charges against him

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      ONE of football star Benjamin Mendy’s alleged rape victims has admitted she felt pressured by police to help bring ­charges against him.She told a court she had not considered the alleged attack to be rape.
      One of football star Benjamin Mendy’s alleged rape victims has admitted she felt pressured by police to help bring charges against himCredit: PA
      The woman said: “I felt the word ‘rape’ meant like a stranger or in an alleyway.
      “But he was my friend and it was his house.”
      The witness, 22 at the time, is one of three women allegedly raped by Mendy during a pool party at his mansion in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, in July 2021.
      When first questioned she told officers she did not want to get involved.
      READ MORE ON BENJAMIN MENDY
      The woman said: “I felt I was being dragged into the situation.”
      Manchester City and France ace Mendy, 28, denies eight rapes and other charges.
      The trial continues at Chester crown court.
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      Ryan Giggs trial: Verdict delayed in assault case after juror calls in sick

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      RYAN Giggs’s trial was adjourned yesterday when a juror phoned in sick.The Manchester United legend, 48, is accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over three years.
      Ryan Giggs’s trial was adjourned yesterday when a juror phoned in sickCredit: PP.
      He is accused of butting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38, and coercively controlling her over three yearsCredit: Tim Stewart
      He is also charged with assaulting her sister Emma, 26, on the same night.
      He was arrested at his £1.7million mansion in Worsley, Gtr Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
      The jury went out to begin considering its verdict on Tuesday.
      Yesterday Judge Hilary Manley told the 11 remaining jurors at Manchester crown court: “One of your number has phoned to say they are unwell and cannot attend today.

      “It is hoped they will be here tomorrow.”
      The case was adjourned until 10am today.
      Giggs’s trial was scheduled for January but was delayed for eight months owing to a Covid backlog.
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      Benjamin Mendy ‘told woman “don’t worry, it’s small’ before raping her at his mansion’

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      BENJAMIN Mendy told a woman “it’s small, don’t worry” before he raped her at his mansion, a court heard.The Manchester City left-back, 28, is accused of 10 offences against seven women as young as 17 between October 2018 and August last year.
      Benjamin Mendy is seen arriving at Chester Crown Court todayCredit: PA
      Mendy’s co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, is accused of eight counts of rapeCredit: PA
      He denies eight counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and one count of attempted rape.
      Today, the jury were shown a police interview with one alleged victim.
      In it, she tells cops player tried to “debate” her into having sex after getting her alone at a gathering at his mansion in July 2021.
      Despite giving him “every excuse” her protests “didn’t phase him”, Chester Crown Court heard.
      Read more UK news
      Mendy allegedly told the woman “don’t you trust me”, shortly before she “gave in” and had sex – which lasted 20 seconds, she claims.
      The woman said she “felt dirty” and used most of a pack of baby wipes to try to clean herself after the incident, the jury heard.
      She did not report the rape to police until being contacted by officers after other allegations surfaced because “it was like one word against another”.
      Recalling the alleged incident in a recorded police interview she said she had been invited to Mendy’s home where people were drinking and playing games.
      Most read in The Sun
      But as she was about to leave, he took her into the cinema room at the house alone where they talked and began kissing before he pulled his underwear down.
      She said: “His language was quite direct and crude. He said ‘you don’t trust me?’ and I said ‘I don’t know you’.
      “He was like ‘all these women want to f**k me’ and I was like ‘okay’.”
      “I think he was saying stuff to make me want to do stuff with him. I was like I’m not doing anything like that and I literally had to give excuses as to why.”
      The woman gave Mendy several reasons as to why she didn’t want to have sex with him – including her fear it would “hurt”, she claims.
      She says he replied: “It’s small, don’t worry.”
      The woman added: “I was sat on a bean bag and he was standing in front of me holding himself. I felt like I had given him every excuse to get out of the situation…
      “It didn’t phase him, it’s like nothing I said got through to him and it’s like arguing with a brick wall.”
      The woman explained to the court how she didn’t know other guests at the party well and didn’t feel she could just walk away.
      She continued: “When I sat on that bean bag and I ended up having to like give in. There was nothing more I could do.”
      “Within 20 seconds it was over.”
      Following the alleged rape, she said she “didn’t know how to process what had just happened” and “felt so by myself”, the court heard.
      Mendy denies eight counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and one count of sexual assault against seven young women.
      Mendy’s co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, is accused of eight counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault relating to eight women, which he denies.
      Saha Matturie – the footballer’s friend and fixer – allegedly had the job of finding young women for sex.
      Both men say that if any sex did take place it was consensual.
      In the first week of his trial, Chester Crown Court heard how Mendy boasted “I have had sex with 10,000 women” shortly after raping a 20-year-old.
      The footballer allegedly told the woman “the door is locked anyway” when she begged to leave his bedroom.
      And yesterday, Mendy was accused of grabbing another woman between her legs and asking her: “Why are you angry?”
      He was accused of sexually assaulting the alleged victim at a pool party at his mansion in January 2021.
      In a police interview, shown to Chester Crown Court, the woman claims the former French international questioned why she was annoyed then told her: “You look better when you smile.”
      She told a detective: “I was just shocked. I was just taken aback by it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I was just shocked in realising what happened.”
      The trial continues.
      The Manchester City left-back, 28, is accused of 10 offences against seven womenCredit: PA More

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      Liam O’Prey in court charged with murdering Tyson Fury’s cousin Rico Burton in stabbing outside bar

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      A MAN has today appeared in court charged with murdering Tyson Fury’s cousin in a knife attack outside a bar.Rico Burton, 31, was stabbed to death in a 3am “bloodbath” in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, over the weekend.
      Rico Burton was stabbed to death outside a pub
      Liam O’Prey has been charged with murderCredit: Facebook/Liam O’pray
      A 17-year-old man, believed to be a relative, suffered significant life-changing injuries and remains in hospital.
      Liam O’Prey, 21, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder.
      He is also accused of assault and causing wounding with intent in relation to the teen and faces further charges of possession of a bladed article and possession of cocaine.
      O’Prey was flanked by extra security as he spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the short hearing.
      He was remanded in custody to next appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.
      Read more news
      Ex-youth boxing star Rico had been watching the Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk fight with pals on Saturday before they moved to a different pub in leafy Altrincham.
      Emergency crews were scrambled to the Goose Green area in the early hours of Sunday morning after a fight allegedly broke out.
      Rico was rushed to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and was declared dead shortly after.
      Officers arrested O’Prey and a 20-year-old man on suspicion of murder following the horror.
      Most read in The Sun
      The second suspect has been released on bail pending enquiries.
      In a social media post on Sunday, Fury called on the government to “bring higher sentencing for knife crime” after his cousin was “stabbed in the neck”.
      The heavyweight boxing champion wrote on Instagram: “My cousin was murdered last night, stabbed in the neck.
      “This is becoming ridiculous… idiots carry knives. This needs to stop.”
      He added: “ASAP, UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime.
      “It’s a pandemic and you don’t know how bad it is until one of your own.
      “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick. Enjoy every moment.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Steve Egan, 60, chief coach at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy where Rico trained, described him as a “lovely lad” and a “fantastic boxer”.
      He added: “We are all devastated.”
      O’Prey appeared in court todayCredit: Facebook/Liam O’pray
      Tyson Fury has called for an end to knife crime
      Emergency crews raced to the Green Goose area of AltrinchamCredit: PA More